Author: Shivaani Gore
It’s always a pleasure sitting down with the brilliant women driving insights at Toluna. Each conversation is a celebration of their experiences and the impact they’ve made in the research world. Today, I’m thrilled to speak with our Global Head of Quality, Marie Hense.
Q: I’m excited to learn about your journey! First things first, what part of being in research excites you the most?
Marie: Having a background in psychology and business, I’ve always been fascinated by how people make decisions – especially irrational and counterintuitive ones. Pairing that curiosity with my love for analytics makes research such an exciting field to be in. With the vast amounts of data available to us, spotting patterns, connecting the dots, and piecing together how things are related feels like solving a thrilling puzzle every single day.
Q: How has being a woman in research shaped the way you approach leadership or decision making?
Marie: Compared to many industries, research is relatively gender-balanced, so I’ve never felt that being a woman limited my opportunities. I’ve been fortunate to have inspiring role models – both women and men – who supported my growth and gave me opportunities regardless of background or gender. What I do strongly believe in, however, is the power of mentorship. Having access to others’ experiences and paths can be transformative, which is why organizations like Women in Research are so important. They provide younger professionals with the chance to learn from seasoned leaders, hear about their decision-making journeys, and gain inspiration for their own careers. Sharing and championing is definitely something I’ve integrated into my leadership style.
Q: How do you strike the right balance between your professional and personal life?
Marie: Balance looks different for everyone. For me, with a 2.5-year-old toddler and another baby on the way, it’s important to spend time with my son during these formative years before he’s off to school. I’m grateful that Toluna’s flexible working policies allow me to work from home and adjust my hours around nursery drop-offs. Walking out of my office straight into playtime with him feels like the greatest luxury.
That said, I also try to maintain a clear mental boundary between work and personal life. When I’m at work, I focus fully on work, and when I log off, I stay logged off. For example, I don’t check emails in the evening, and I’ve never installed Teams on my phone. Giving each part of my life my full attention when it’s their turn helps me feel present in both worlds and makes the balance feel truly rewarding.
Q: What has been the most surprising twist or unexpected opportunity in your career so far?
Marie: I’ve been very lucky to see the research and insights world from multiple perspectives: working client-side at companies like McDonald’s and Weetabix, in consultancy roles, and at research suppliers such as Nielsen, and now Toluna. Experiencing the full journey – from where data originates to how it’s packaged into products to how it’s used by client insights teams – has given me a real appreciation of the entire data lifecycle. Having these opportunities across such different contexts wasn’t something I expected early on, but it’s been an amazing way to understand just how versatile and exciting this industry is.
Q: How do you personally define success at this stage of your career?
Marie: Success, for me, is about working on something I truly care about while contributing to a company I believe is making a real difference in the world.
Q: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice as you entered this industry, what would it be?
Marie: Stay curious, stay open, and follow your interests. The research industry is incredibly versatile, with space for so many passions and talents. If you explore and remain open to opportunities, you’ll find the corner of the industry that excites you most.
